Ageing and emotion regulation

Abstract

Successful regulation of emotion is critical for adaptive functioning across the lifespan, yet much still remains to be known in relation to specific strengths and vulnerabilities in this capacity in older age. This thesis synthesised existing evidence for age-related differences in instructed emotion regulation, and the extent to which emotion regulation capacity is maintained in older age (Study 1). The thesis then explored potential age- related differences in the success of positive reappraisal and mindful attention for the regulation of fear and amusement (Study 2). Study 2 also contributed to the limited evidence base for an association between state and trait emotion regulation, and particularly the role of age in this association. Finally, this thesis provided the first evidence for the validity of survey-based measures that measure trait emotion regulation (Study 3) and mindfulness (Study 4) among older adults. In Study 1, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies examined age-related differences in the subjective, behavioural, and physiological outcomes of instructed emotion regulation strategies, and potential moderators of the effect of age on emotion regulation. In Study 2, electrodermal activity provided strong evidence that young (n = 38), but not older (n = 33), adults successfully regulated fear using mindful attention. However, the apparent advantage among young relative to older adults may have reflected reduced initial reactivity to fear films among older adults. In Study 3, the results provided support for the factor structure, internal consistency and convergent validity of the widely-cited Emotion Regulation Questionnaire among older community dwelling men (n = 130) and women (n = 122). Study 4 provided the first evidence to support the factor structure, internal consistency and convergent validity of the short form Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-SF) among community-dwelling older adults (N = 213). Taken together, these studies provide support for theoretical accounts of age-related preservation, and in some cases improvement, in emotion regulation. At the same time, the current findings provide a more nuanced account of where particular age-related strengths are evident.

Date of Thesis submission	2021
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Western Sydney University
Supervisor	Phoebe Bailey (Supervisor), Ian Kneebone (Supervisor) & Craig Gonsalvez (Supervisor)